Ultimate 15-Min Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe!

Craving the bold, aromatic flavors of chicken shawarma with garlic sauce but don’t want to leave your kitchen? This homemade shawarma recipe brings the authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food directly to your table. With tender, perfectly spiced chicken and a creamy garlic sauce that rivals any restaurant, this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe is surprisingly simple to master at home.

Whether you’re looking for a Middle Eastern chicken wrap for a quick weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests with your culinary skills, this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The secret lies in the aromatic spice blend and the irresistible garlic toum sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

• Restaurant-quality flavor – This homemade shawarma rivals your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant
• Quick and easy – This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe is ready in just 45 minutes from prep to plate
• Versatile serving options – Perfect as wraps, bowls, or plated meals
• Make-ahead friendly – Both chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance
• Crowd pleaser – This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe appeals to all ages and dietary preferences
• Cost-effective – Much more affordable than ordering takeout
• Customizable heat level – Adjust spices to your preference
• Meal prep champion – Stores beautifully for up to 4 days

This street food style chicken brings the authentic flavors of Lebanese cuisine to your home kitchen. The Lebanese chicken marinade infuses every bite with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, while the creamy garlic sauce adds the perfect cooling contrast.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce (Toum):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For Serving:

• 6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Dietary Substitutions:

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pita or serve over rice
• Dairy-free garlic sauce: Replace Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or cashew cream
• Lower fat version: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and light mayonnaise

How to Make Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This Lebanese chicken marinade is the foundation of authentic grilled chicken shawarma flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours yields the best flavor penetration. For meal prep, marinate overnight for maximum taste.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlic toum sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and white pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while remaining juicy inside.

Step 5: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist meat. Slice chicken into thin strips against the grain for the most tender texture.

Step 6: Warm the Pita Bread

Heat pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds. Warm bread is essential for the perfect pita shawarma sandwich experience.

Step 7: Assemble Your Shawarma

Spread a generous amount of garlic yogurt sauce on each pita. Add sliced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Shawarma

Secret to Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for superior juiciness and flavor. The slightly higher fat content keeps the meat tender even if slightly overcooked.

Can I make chicken shawarma ahead of time? Absolutely! Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and prepare the garlic sauce up to 3 days ahead. Cook chicken fresh for best texture, but cooked chicken can be stored for up to 4 days.

What is the secret to the best chicken shawarma? The key lies in three elements: a well-balanced spice blend, proper marination time, and not overcooking the chicken. This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe uses cinnamon to add an authentic Middle Eastern warmth that sets it apart from ordinary grilled chicken.

Achieving the Perfect Char: For authentic street food style chicken flavor, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to develop a proper sear. Don’t move the chicken too frequently – let it develop a golden crust before flipping.

Garlic Sauce Consistency: The perfect garlic toum sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it’s too thick, thin with a tablespoon of lemon juice or water. If too thin, refrigerate for 30 minutes to thicken.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Shawarma

The beauty of homemade shawarma lies in its versatility. Here are the most popular serving methods:

Traditional Wrap Style: Serve in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and plenty of garlic yogurt sauce. This classic Middle Eastern chicken wrap is perfect for casual dining or lunch on-the-go.

Shawarma Bowl: Create a healthy bowl by serving sliced chicken over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dollop of garlic sauce. This option is naturally gluten-free and perfect for meal prep.

Plated Dinner: Serve sliced shawarma chicken alongside roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and a side of garlic sauce for a complete dinner that rivals any restaurant meal.

Appetizer Platter: Slice chicken thinly and serve on a platter with warm pita triangles, garlic sauce, hummus, and fresh vegetables for entertaining.

Pair with complementary sides like tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or roasted eggplant to create an authentic Middle Eastern feast.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Shawarma

Per Serving (1 wrap with sauce):

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 745mg
• Sugar: 4g

This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe provides an excellent source of lean protein while delivering bold flavors. For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken and sauce over salad greens instead of pita bread.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken shawarma in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The garlic toum sauce keeps for up to 1 week refrigerated.

How long does chicken shawarma last in the fridge? Properly stored cooked chicken shawarma maintains its quality for 3-4 days. The spices actually continue to develop flavor, making leftovers incredibly delicious. This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe tastes even better the next day.

Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating. However, the garlic sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content.

Best Reheating Methods:

• Stovetop: Reheat sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between to ensure even heating
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes

4 FAQs for Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce

Can I freeze chicken shawarma?
Yes, cooked chicken shawarma freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for convenient reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain texture.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream, additional mayonnaise, or cashew cream for dairy-free options. Each creates a slightly different flavor profile but maintains the creamy texture.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier, chicken breasts work well with this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe too. Reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, and consider pounding them to even thickness.

How do I make the garlic sauce less garlicky?
Start with 2 cloves of garlic instead of 4, and taste as you go. You can also roast the garlic first for a milder, sweeter flavor, or add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt to mellow the intensity.

Related Recipes for Chicken Shawarma

If you love this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe, try these complementary Middle Eastern dishes:

• Homemade Hummus with Tahini – The perfect creamy side for your shawarma wraps
• Mediterranean Rice Pilaf – A fragrant base for shawarma bowls
• Fattoush Salad with Sumac Dressing – A fresh, tangy salad that pairs beautifully
• Roasted Eggplant with Pomegranate – An authentic side dish
• Lebanese Tabbouleh – A refreshing herb salad perfect for hot days

Conclusion & Call to Action

This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe brings the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy garlic toum sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.

Whether you’re making this homemade shawarma for a family dinner or entertaining guests, you now have all the tools to create restaurant-quality results every time. This chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its authentic character.

Have you tried this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe? Share your results in the comments below and let us know your favorite way to serve it! Don’t forget to rate this chicken shawarma with garlic sauce recipe and share it with friends who love Middle Eastern flavors.

Now you know how to make the best chicken shawarma with garlic sauce at home – it’s time to fire up that skillet and enjoy the incredible aromas that will fill your kitchen!

Print